Recognition

Sadly, Professor C. James Li, a member of the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering faculty since 1993 has passed away. Professor Li had been battling cancer for over a year. 

Dr. Li had a distinguished career and was internationally recognized as an expert in the field of sensor based control of manufacturing processes/equipment, and mechanical diagnostics.  He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the National Taiwan University and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Prior to joining Rensselaer, he had spent six years on the faculty in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Columbia University.  Dr. Li was a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a member of International Society of Micro-computer and Mini-Computers. 

It was a great joy to not only Professor Li, but to his students that he was able to teach right up to the end of this past semester.  Jim was recognized by the students as the first recipient of the MANE Student Advisory Council Teacher of the Year Award.  This is a testament to the dedication and love Jim had for teaching and for his students.  Jim was very honest and straightforward.  He expressed his opinions openly and professionally, yet kept very collegial relationships with colleagues. Jim was a pillar at his church where he led the Sunday adult bible study and, among other responsibilities, handled the church finances. Jim was a person of faith. Although experiencing extreme physical pain, he was able to light up his spirit and positively affect those around him.  His unshakable faith will remain a model for many to follow.  Jim Li will be remembered as a wonderful colleague with a terrific sense of humor, love and dedication for his family, friends and students.   His death is a loss to the School and us all. 

Dr. Li is survived by his wife Yuhling and their two sons, Jonathan and Daniel, his mother and a brother.  A funeral service will be from the Chinese Christian Church of Greater Albany on June 8.